Betty M. Atkins, 102, of Jonestown, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the Myerstown Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was the wife of the late Rev. George P. Atkins.
Born in Cleona on Oct. 27, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Warren and Irene A. Wengert Emrich. Following high school, she attended and graduated from Lebanon Valley College, where she majored in music education and minored in German. Betty gave private lessons to hundreds of students. She was also a substitute teacher at Northern Lebanon.
She was a member of the Jonestown Bible Church, where she faithfully served alongside her husband, who was the founding pastor of the church. Betty was also the church choir director, the church pianist, and a singer in various groups. She enjoyed volunteering for the Blue Mountain Christian School. She was also a member of the WCTU, where she served as the State President and held several other positions. She was a Phillies fan and enjoyed reading and doing puzzles.
She is survived by her sons, Dennis G., husband of Ann Atkins, of Jonestown, and Timothy W., husband of Jane Atkins, of Lebanon; daughters, Brenda K., wife of the late Robert Wiscount, of Tremont, Mary Louise, wife of the late Wallace Krall, of Schuylkill Haven, Norma J., wife of Carey May, of Jonestown, Nancy J., wife of Paul Spotts, of Jonestown, Loretta R., wife of Isadore Ollar, of Jonestown, and Britta M., wife of Ron Armstrong, of Annville; and 25 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Joseph Wiscount; great-great-grandson, Charles Wiscount; and sister, Mary Kline.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Jonestown Bible Church. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Atkins Scholarship Fund, c/o Blue Mountain Christian School, 14 Silvertown Road, Jonestown, PA 17038.
